2004: Promoted back to the Premiership after finishing second in Division One

Megson's departure had been on the cards for some time after his public falling-out with chairman Jeremy Peace over summer transfer spending.

While Megson believed he did not have sufficient funds to mount a realistic battle for Premiership survival, Peace expected more after landing the likes of Kanu, Jonathan Greening and £3m striker Robert Earnshaw.

The acrimony was evident with Albion calling the timing of Megson's letter - three days after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace - "extremely unhelpful".

In a official statement Albion said: "This is a crucial period for the club and the board regards the timing and manner of Gary Megson's announcement as extremely unhelpful, particularly following the team's disappointing performance at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

"Nevertheless, the board intends to move swiftly to appoint a new manager who will be fully focused on the job of taking the club forward in the Premiership.

"Until such time, Frank Burrows will act as caretaker manager."

"The board would like to acknowledge Gary Megson's major contribution during his term as manager and wishes him well in the future."

Megson had brought the situation to a head when he revealed: "I won't sign a new contract. I don't intend to talk any more about the decision I have made.

"I have a contract until 30 June and I intend to carry on doing my job until then.

"I will give all the effort and drive that I can to succeed on behalf of the football club.

"If training is not going good enough, if the results don't go the right way, I will continue to be upset about it."

Megson was yet to be offered a new deal by Peace and as the weeks went by his chances of getting one appeared increasingly remote.

The manager had joined the club from Stoke where he spent just four months in charge before the club was taken over by an Icelandic consortium who wanted their own hierarchy.

In his first season Megson rescued Albion from relegation to the old second division and in the following campaign he steered them into the play-offs.